water tank Mineral characteristics of Bentonite

Sodium swells 15 to 20 times of its original volume when hydrated and it absorbs water 5 times of its own weight.

The crystal of bentonite consists of three layers: a silicon tetrahedron, an aluminum octahedron and another silicon tetrahedron.

The unit structure is a very thin platelet about 10A [1 nm] thick and 0.1 to1μm wide. When bentonite comes in contact with water,

it absorbs the water and swells up. This swelling is caused by an interaction between interlayer cations and water molecules.

The gap between bentonite

layers is widened as the interlayer cations attract the water molecules. When bentonite is dispersed in water,the platelets bond

together electrostatically to form a house-of-cards structure and the liquid becomesviscous. When the house-of-cards structure

develops further, the bentonite-dispersed liquid becomes a gel.

Sodium bentonite not only has its own adhesion but also adheres to other materials.

  It does not give any chemical effect to other material. Bentonite is used as binder of molding sand,

stabilizing agent of underground diaphragm wall construction, and admix material for impermeable barrier mixed with soil and cement.

When bentonite particle is dispersed in water, it does no longer precipitate but maintain colloidal status.

By its own cohesion and bonding characteristics, bentonite is used for paints, chemicals, soil binders, cleaners, and coagulants of waste water.

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